GCSE: GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education.

The qualification mainly involves studying the theory of a subject, combined with some investigative work. Some subjects also involve practical work.

GCSEs are at levels 1 and 2 on the National Qualifications Framework, depending on the grade you get.

GCSEs examinations are taken by students at the end of the first stage of high school education in the UK. For students aged 14 or 15 or those who haven’t completed high school in their home country, GCSEs provide the perfect route into A-levels.

Most British Universities will require that GCSE students achieve 5 or more passes, which must include English and Mathematics.

At St. Andrew’s, GCSEs are taught in very small groups, with an average of just 6 students per class. Students under 16 are given special supervision and live in our halls of residence near to the school.

This care and attention provides the ideal environment during the first years studying overseas. Students become familiar with the British style of education and are well prepared for success in their future studies in the UK.

Class time is from 25 to 30 hours per week. On completion of the course, students have access to at least 8 GCSE grades.